Posted by Emily Elizabeth on March 9, 2012, at 22:42:33
Does anyone have a good understanding of this? I plan to try to get preggo in the near future, so I have been trying to make needed changes to my meds.
My pdoc and OB have both said most psych medications are category C. According to wikipedia this means: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
However, it seems that within this category there is huge variation. Abilify is category C and pdoc said that under no circumstances would he rx this med during pregnancy (although he said if i wanted to take it, i might be able to find a different pdoc who would.) OB also seemed to think Abilify would be unacceptable. Lexapro is category C and pdoc said he would rx that if it was okay with my OB. OB says any SSRI other than Paxil would be fine during pregnancy, but we'd have to watch the baby for breathing probs upon birth.
So, I got off the Abilify and Lexapro (and Welbutrin) but now I am having bad anxiety. (Depression is GONE due to TMS!!!) Pdoc suggested I take Vistaril as needed (also category C). He seemed to imply that was a better option than going back on the Lexapro.
Honestly, I wanted to be med-free but I don't know how realistic this is for me. However, if I am taking a risk, I need to be clear on how much of a risk it would be. The FDA seems to imply abilify risk = lexapro risk = vistaril risk. The MD's seem to present it differently though.
I'm so confused! Anyone able to shed some light here?
Best,
EE
poster:Emily Elizabeth
thread:1012689
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120302/msgs/1012689.html